Tag: QPS

Warning on Online Transactions Raised Following Darra Local’s Assault During Meet-Up

Brisbane locals are reminded to take extra care when arranging meet-ups for buying and selling transactions online, following the assault of a Darra local who met with an online buyer in Mansburg Terrace.

Read: Get Your Coffee Fix and ‘All Things Tasmanian’ at Riverhills Plaza

The perpetrator not only grabbed the watch sold by the Darra man but also managed to assault the victim before running away. The b uyer allegedly said he can only pay part of the arrangement they agreed online and will transfer the rest of the money electronically.

Investigations by the Queensland Police Services are ongoing. According to the QPS, incidents of robbery offences among locals who arrange their buying and selling activities on various online platforms have risen. 

The QPS has offered the following suggestions for Queenslanders who are into online transactions: 

  • Check the profiles of the buyer or seller before agreeing to a meet-up. If their profiles appear to have been created recently, then it may be an indication of a fake user or scammer.
  • Check the seller’s public profile and reconsider completing the deal if the conversations appear to be one-way with little engagement from the community. 
  • Ensure your personal safety when meeting up. Never do this at night in secluded or private areas. If possible, meet during daylight hours in a place where there are CCTV cameras and plenty of people. 
  • Have a friend or family member with you. According to the QPS, “This increases your safety and provides a potential witness if needed.”
  • Record details of the person you are meeting including name, email address, phone number and registration numbers.
  • Cancel the meeting if you feel uncomfortable. Trust your gut insticts. 
  • Never accept a screenshot as payment proof. 
  • If payments are done online, ensure the security of the payment method. Never pay by money order, pre-loaded money cards or wire transfer.

Additionally, locals are encouraged to follow online safety advice from sources such as the Australian Cyber Security Centre regarding how to safely purchase/sell online. 

The QPS encourages reporting robberies online or by calling 1800 333 000.

REPORT ROBBERY TO QPS

QPS Disaster Victim Identification Squad Adds 15 Members, Celebrates 40 Years in Wacol

Did you know that the Queensland Police Service has a Disaster Victim Identification Squad? The exclusive group has turned 40 years old and has welcomed 15 new members during a practitioners’ at the Bob Atkinson Operational Capabilities Centre in Wacol.

Read: Potential New Upgrades Planned For Mt Ommaney Shopping Centre

QPS’s Disaster Victim Identification Squad are mostly part-timers who have such challenging jobs. They are one of the first groups on the scene during a major incident, such as natural or air disasters, assisting other units in the identification of the deceased. 

The group, now 71-member strong, also works with the police during investigations into suicide, homicide, and traffic accidents, where identifying bodies may be difficult. 

Established on 1 June 1981, the Disaster Victim Identification Squad started off with 45 members. Before the newbies finished their practitioners’ course, the team had 56 dedicated members who have experience working as Constables to Senior Sergeants.

Photo Credit: Queensland Police Service

Their expertise is not limited to Australia as the squad also helped during the following tragic occurrences in the last two decades:

  • 2002 Bali bombings
  • 2004 Thailand for the Indian Ocean earthquake and resulting tsunami
  • 2009 Victorian bushfires
  • 2011 Christchurch earthquake
  • 2014 Netherlands for the shooting down of MH17
  • 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings
  • 2019 Whakaari/White Island volcano eruption

“[The squad] make ongoing and valuable contributions to not only the Queensland community, interstate and internationally but most importantly to the family and friends of disaster victims,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Chelepy said.

Read: Ipswich Motorway: $400-Million Widening Upgrade Completed

On the other hand, Minister for Police and Corrective Services and Minister for Fire and Emergency Services The Honourable Mark Ryan congratulated the new members during the five-day course in Wacol as their decision to join this specialised group was “not an easy decision to make.”

“I commend all of you for making this choice to assist the Queensland community and all victims of disaster,” Mr Ryan said. “You have shown courage and bravery, and I sincerely thank you for putting yourself forward for such a role within the Service.”